Is anything better than plugging in your headphones, firing up your music app of choice, and jamming out to that brand-new song you're obsessed with?
Don't get me wrong; I love my go-to playlists. The classics are great. But something amazing happens when I hear an awesome new track for the first time. I am filled with anticipation, enthusiasm, and pure bliss as I wonder to myself, Will the chorus be as good as the hook? or Wait — did I just discover my new favorite artist?!?!
New music is one of the best mood-boosters ever to me, and I want to share it with you. So each week, I'm pulling together the most popular (as in, they have over 100K listens within the first few days of their release) and most exciting new music out there for you to turn on, tune in, drop out to.
Let's get listening. If you have any new pieces of musical gold, leave a link in the comments below. And be sure to check next Friday for a whole new slew of songs.
"There's Alot Going On" — Vic Mensa
The music video starts slow, but picks up as Mensa starts to rattle off his verse. It's intense, but still melodic.
Who is Vic Mensa?
Victor Kwesi Mensah, a.k.a. Vic Mensa, is a Chicago rapper who released his debut single in June 2014. Since then, he's been nominated for a Grammy for writing a song with Kanye West and rolls with the biggest rappers in the game right now. He also totally shines on his own.
via YouTube."Final Song" — M Ø
Hello, song of summer! The "Lean On" of 2016.
Who is M Ø ?
A 27-year-old Danish electropop star whose sound is Grimes-meets-Sia-meets-The Chainsmokers. Her music videos never disappoint. Overall, she's great.
via YouTube."Threat Of Joy" — The Strokes
First released in May, this track is the teaser for the band's upcoming album, which will be their first in three years. The song is trending since the band's performance at Governors Ball last weekend.
Who are The Strokes?
Come on. They're basically modern-rock royalty, if you will. The New York band formed in 1998 and has amassed a large following ever since.
via YouTube."Nothing Is Promised" — Mike Will Made It feat. Rihanna
Rihanna's had a busy season in the studio. The signer lends her voice and rap skills to this track. If you like "Needed Me," you'll like this. Very similar sound.
Who is Mike WiLL Made-It?
Born Michael Len Williams II, the songwriter and producer is more commonly known as Mike Will or Mike WiLL Made-It. If you're wondering why you recognize his name, it's because he gives himself a shoutout at the beginning of the songs he produces. He has five mixtapes, but has still not released a debut album.
via YouTube."Hungry (1st Byte) (Intro)" — Fergie
Fergie is back, y'all. This is only a sneak peek at her new single, but it sounds awesome.
Who is Fergie?
The female voice behind Black Eyed Peas. Not to mention early 2000s fashion icon.
via YouTube."Talk" — DJ Snake, George Maple
The echoey keyboards and fast-paced beats create a very light-hearted and pumped-up track.
Who is DJ Snake?
A French rapper, DJ, and record producer out of Paris. He is also responsible for the song that was definitely stuck in your head for months, "Turn Down For What. "
"Champions (Round and Round)" — Kanye West, feat. Desiigner, Travis Scott, Big Sean, Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, 2 Chainz, and Quavo
A hodgepodge of rap's finest of the moment. The rap is, fittingly so, about the crew running the city. There's a little something for everyone in it.
Who are they all?
They are all very popular rappers.
via YouTube."Crash" — Usher
Less R & B and more electronic. Perhaps he is stealing a move or two form Justin Bieber. It works.
Who is Usher?
To the youth: He discovered Bieber. To the olds: Remember this?
via YouTube.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Yes, You Have Seen These Hamilton Stars Before